Aishwarya's 'fat' debate

We have no right to pass comments on women like Aishwarya, who have gone through a hard time during pregnancy. So, please refrain from getting judgmental!
- lara dutta  a recently-held press conference

It's been just six months since Aishwarya rai Bachchan gave birth to a baby girl. Ever since patriarch amitab bachchan announced her pregnancy, to this day, Aishwarya has been at the receiving end of verbal remarks. And in most cases, it's been malicious. While the lady who is a regular at Cannes, is going about her business fulfilling her work-related commitments by visiting the French Riviera this year too, our self-styled 'fashionistas' have gone on a rampage, passing nasty comments on her weight gain.

Of late, our celeb-obsessed nation, has taken upon itself to make sure our stars 'represent our country' in the best 'fashion' possible. So, Ash's subsequent failure to shed weight post childbirth has not been taken too kindly. Apart from comments on social networking sites, one video, which has been viewed more than 50,000 times, shows before and after pictures of Ash accompanied by the sound of an elephant trumpeting.

Weight and watch
While artists like MF Hussain have successfully captured the ephemeral beauty and timeless grace of Indian women on canvas, Western cultural influences have ensured that the miracle of a newborn has been eclipsed by the miracle of getting back into your skinny jeans.
Former Mrs India turned fashion designer, Shilpa Reddy, is of the view that the inability to shed postpartum baby fat today has become a social taboo. "The comments on Ash are absolutely nasty and demeaning. It has become mandatory for women in showbiz these days to shed postpartum weight. It is unnatural." Not so long ago, Shilpa turned heads when she made public appearances looking gorgeous, months after the birth of her son. "I have always been into fitness and I'm genetically blessed. I don't put on too much weight. Shedding those extra kilos was not difficult for me. Every woman reacts differently to childbirth - some lose weight easily, others don't. But losing weight is the last thing on a mother's mind. All she cares about is the wellbeing of her child. Ditto with Ash. Give her some time, she'll bounce back. Till then, let her enjoy motherhood," says Reddy.

Curse of the double chin
For women in showbiz, there is intense pressure to stay gorgeous round the clock. One may not be talked about for their talent, but comments on looks are a sure shot. Designer Asmita marwa, mother to a teen, voices a similar opinion. "I think everyone expects a little too much from Ash. She is human after all. The whole concept of 'Yummy Mummy' is a western phenomenon. It's not Indian or natural," opines the designer. Recalling instances where her work took a backseat and her looks gained precedence, Asmita says, "There have been so many times when people meet my son and then forget to discuss my work. All they ask me is how do I manage to look the way I do, despite being a mom to a teen. My work completely takes a backseat. It's very shallow," she remarks.


The natural path
While the nation is obsessing over Ash's weight gain, doctors are supporting her style of motherhood. "From a nutritional point of view, it's not healthy for a lactating mother to go on a strict diet immediately after childbirth, because you need to nurse the child. Ash is nursing her baby, so she is eating well, hence the weight gain. It's absolutely normal," says Dr Amrit Shaluja, gynecologist and obstetrician.

Meanwhile, Shilpa recollects instances where women don't nurse their child for fear of weight gain. "I know women who do not nurse their newborn babies because they are busy working out and following a strict diet. Motherhood takes a backseat and getting into your 26 inches jeans becomes a priority."

But trying to lose weight post childbirth is not unnatural, feel doctors, if you keep nutrition in mind. "Working out is fine, as long as the mother is getting all her nutritional requirements," says Dr Shaluja.

Shilpa too shares a similar opinion. "If you have help at home and people to look after your child, then getting some 'me' time in the gym is fine. As for me, I make sure I have the energy from sunrise to sunset as there is so much to do - play with my son, chat with my husband, take care of my dogs and go to work. Yes, I do keep fit, but not at the cost of my family life," quips Shilpa.

Asmita too confesses at not forgoing a single meal to look good. "I have never skipped a meal or dieted. I lost my post baby weight naturally. Celebs abroad get external help to look good, so why should we sweat over Ash?" she asks. And Marwa suggests a few sartorial choices for Ash on the Cannes red carpet. "Ash should go with saris for the red carpet. She will look stunning."

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